Tom Winsor, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, has provoked a
furious backlash among serving officers, after attending the National Police
Memorial Day Service in uniform.

Rank and file officers condemned the decision as crass and inappropriate because, despite having responsibility for inspecting police forces in England and Wales, Mr Winsor has never served as an officer himself.

Attending Sunday’s service in Cardiff, at which the Prince of Wales was also present, the former lawyer and rail regulator wore a ceremonial uniform, decorated with silver braid, which was designed specifically for the inspectorate.

But critics, already angry at his appointment, have now launched an online petition on the Government website, demanding that he is barred from wearing the ceremonial police uniform in future

Mr Winsor was an unpopular choice for Her Majesty’s Inspectorate, having carried out a controversial review into police pay and conditions, despite having no direct experience of policing.

Among his recommendations were the introduction of police fitness tests, direct entry to senior posts for candidates from outside policing and a restructuring of pay.

Many serving officers said his decision to wear a uniform further demonstrated how little he understood the police.

Writing on a police blog, one constable from London said: “I am disgusted, it’s a real stab in the back to serving police officers and former colleagues who have endlessly put up with this idiots messing about of a failing police service.

“Mr Winsor serves the police service no justice, and he needs to go home take that uniform off.”

Another wrote: “I thought the idea of Winsor was to save money. How much money, time and effort was wasted on a uniform for him? Probably enough to pay a PC for a year.”

But Mr Winsor insisted he had worn the uniform as a mark of respect which was appropriate for such an important event.

He said: “I would rather be criticised for showing respect, rather than failing to show it. There are significant differences between what I am wearing and what others are wearing. The uniform of HM Chief Inspector is not a police uniform.”

Steve Williams, the chairman of the Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers said: “We will not be drawn into a debate about what someone was wearing on such an important day of remembrance.

“This day is for the families, friends, colleagues and the wider public to pay their respects to those who tragically lost their lives protecting their community. We must pay attention to what is really important.”

The National Police Memorial Day Service is an occasion for officers of all ranks to gather and remember the sacrifice made by their colleagues in serving the public.

As well as the Prince of Wales, Home Secretary Theresa May was also present.